Salix sericea, commonly known as silky willow, is a shrub in the Salicaceae family that grows in swamps and along rivers in eastern United States and Canada. It is 2 to 4 m (6.6 to 13.1 ft) tall and has long, thin, purplish twigs. The leaves are 6–10 cm long, 7–8 mm wide, dark green and lightly hairy on top, and light green and densely covered with white silky hairs underneath.

This plant supports Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) larvae which has two to three broods from May-September. Adult butterflies feed on decaying matter, aphid honeydew, and nectar from composite flowers. Flowers are pollinated by native bees and honey bees and is the larval host plant for the Acadian Hairstreak (Satyrium acadica) moth. Host plant for the caterpillars of Acadian hairstreak butterfly.

Propagation:

Silky Willow are not very hard to propagate.

Make a fresh angled cut at the bottom (already angled) side of the cutting.

(Alternate Step: Place in water for 7-10 days for roots to form and then plant the cuttings. This will almost guarantee success!)

Using a rooting hormone is not necessary but will improve your chances.

Stick directly into the ground, coarse builder's sand or a well-draining potting mix.

We have used all of these methods with great success.

Keep them from drying out after the cuttings are placed.